What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. These interruptions can interfere with restful sleep and may contribute to symptoms that affect patients during both the night and the day. Dental sleep medicine may provide treatment options for certain patients through specially designed oral appliances. Our practice offers sleep apnea treatment, sleep apnea devices, and snoring therapy as part of our dental services.
How These Conditions Are Related
TMJ disorders and sleep apnea are different conditions, but jaw position and the structures involved in the airway can play a role in both areas of dental care. For some patients, evaluating jaw function may be relevant when considering a dental appliance intended to support the airway during sleep. Because every patient’s symptoms and needs are different, treatment should begin with a careful evaluation rather than assuming that one condition is causing the other.
At Hilda Kanon, DDS, we provide both TMJ and sleep apnea services, including TMJ orthotics and sleep apnea devices. This allows our team to consider a patient’s jaw-related concerns and dental sleep needs when discussing appropriate treatment options.
Signs of TMJ Concerns:
- Jaw Pain or Tenderness: Discomfort around the jaw joints or surrounding muscles may indicate that the TMJ is not functioning comfortably. Persistent or recurring jaw discomfort is a reason to discuss your symptoms with a dental professional.
- Difficulty Moving the Jaw: Problems opening or closing your mouth comfortably can be associated with TMJ concerns. Changes in normal jaw movement should be evaluated, particularly when they interfere with everyday activities.
- Clicking or Popping of the Jaw: Some people notice clicking, popping, or other sounds when moving their jaw. Jaw sounds do not always indicate a disorder, but they may warrant evaluation when accompanied by discomfort or difficulty with movement.
- Jaw Tension or Muscle Soreness: Tightness and soreness around the jaw may occur when the jaw muscles are under strain. An evaluation can help determine whether a TMJ-related issue may be contributing to the problem.
- Signs of Sleep Apnea Concerns: Frequent Snoring: Persistent snoring can be associated with sleep-related breathing concerns. Because our practice provides both snoring therapy and sleep apnea treatment, we can discuss whether a dental sleep appliance may be appropriate for your needs.
- Interrupted Breathing During Sleep: Repeated pauses in breathing during sleep are an important sign associated with sleep apnea. These episodes may be noticed by a spouse, partner, or family member and should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare provider.
- Waking Up Gasping or Choking: Episodes of gasping or choking during the night may indicate disrupted breathing while sleeping. These symptoms warrant professional evaluation to determine whether sleep apnea or another condition may be involved.
- Daytime Tiredness: Sleep apnea can interfere with restful sleep, which may leave some people feeling tired during the day. Ongoing daytime sleepiness, especially when combined with snoring or nighttime breathing concerns, should be evaluated.
Treatments Offered
- TMJ Orthotics: TMJ orthotics are dental appliances used as part of our approach to TMJ treatment. We can evaluate your jaw and determine whether an orthotic may be appropriate based on your individual needs.
- Sleep Apnea Appliances: Our practice offers sleep apnea devices for patients whose treatment needs are appropriate for a dental appliance. These appliances are part of our dental approach to managing certain sleep-related breathing concerns.
- Snoring Therapy: Snoring therapy is included among the sleep dentistry services available at Hilda Kanon, DDS. We can evaluate your needs and discuss available dental treatment options when snoring is a concern.
- BOTOX: BOTOX is among the treatments offered by our practice for patients with appropriate TMJ-related needs. After evaluating your symptoms, we can determine whether BOTOX should be considered as part of your treatment plan.
- Platelet-Rich Growth Factor: Platelet-rich growth factor treatment is another specialized service offered by our practice in connection with TMJ care. We can discuss whether this treatment may be appropriate after completing an evaluation of your individual condition.
